The annihilation of the Marine Hachinosu Branch was reported to Marine Headquarters, Marineford, within hours. The World Government was informed shortly after.
The news sent shockwaves through the entire Navy. Shock. Fear. Rage. Hatred.
The Hachinosu Branch had been the largest Marine stronghold in the New World. Yet in less than half a day, it had been completely wiped out.
It was difficult to imagine just how terrifying the enemy's strength must be.
That very night, the highest-ranking Marine officers and the Five Elders of the World Government convened an emergency meeting. The sole topic:
The Rocks Pirates.
Seated around a long table, each leader had a thick dossier in front of them.
The first image inside was the now-infamous group photograph—
A collective portrait of villains.
Behind it were detailed profiles and bounty posters of every member.
"Rocks D. Xebec, 'Overlord of the Seas,' Captain of the Rocks Pirates. Bounty: 2.16 billion Beli… Gathered numerous pirates at Pirate Island Hachinosu to form the Rocks Pirates…"
"Edward Newgate, officer of the Rocks Pirates. User of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the strongest Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. Bounty: 1.2 billion Beli…"
"Black Devil Chu Qiye, officer and ship's doctor of the Rocks Pirates. Bounty: 580 million Beli. Devil Fruit ability unknown. Information largely unknown. Rumored to be the most skilled doctor in the New World…"
…
"These materials were delivered by the World Government's secret intelligence agency, CP0."
The Fleet Admiral's face was grim. His mustache trembled slightly with suppressed fury.
Not just him—every Marine leader present wore an ugly expression.
Every single pirate in that stack of wanted posters was a nightmare.
Any one of them alone was difficult to handle.
Now they were united.
The threat level was unprecedented.
"No matter what methods the Navy uses," one of the Five Elders declared firmly, "the Rocks Pirates must be eradicated!"
"If left unchecked, they will shake the foundations of the World Government's rule. That cannot be allowed."
The Marine officers remained silent outwardly—
But inwardly, they were cursing.
Eradicate them all? In your dreams.
Everyone present knew the truth.
Taking down the Rocks Pirates would require long-term strategy—not empty orders.
The Fleet Admiral finally spoke:
"Headquarters will form an advance expeditionary force to the New World. Their mission will be reconnaissance—gather intelligence on the Rocks Pirates before we determine our next move."
"I don't care how you arrange it," the Elder responded coldly. "Deal with them quickly. They must not be allowed anywhere near the Holy Land, Mary Geoise."
Silence filled the room.
The next day, a recruitment notice was posted at Marine Headquarters' training grounds.
Headquarters would assemble a voluntary advance force to the New World.
Participation was optional.
The notice clearly stated:
High risk. Potential fatality. Volunteer at your own discretion.
After reading it, most Marines dispersed.
Only three remained standing.
Two men. One woman.
"Yosh! Sengoku, Tsuru—our time to shine has finally come!"
An excited Garp flexed his arms proudly.
"I'm going to let those filthy New World pirates taste the power of my fists!"
Sengoku adjusted his glasses, speaking seriously.
"Garp, don't get overconfident. Pirates in the New World are far stronger than those in Paradise. Carelessness will cost you your life."
Garp grinned confidently.
"No matter how strong they are, I'll smash them all! Justice will prevail!"
The only woman among them, Tsuru, spoke thoughtfully:
"Headquarters suddenly forming an advance force to the New World… the target must be the newly formed Rocks Pirates."
At the mention of that name, both Garp and Sengoku stiffened with anger.
Over a thousand Marine comrades had been slaughtered.
No Marine could forgive that.
"Perfect!" Garp declared loudly. "Let's wipe the Rocks Pirates out!"
Sengoku smiled faintly but said nothing.
Tsuru continued calmly:
"Garp, you're thinking too far ahead. The advance force likely won't engage them directly. If we do…"
She trailed off.
She understood better than anyone how terrifying the Rocks Pirates truly were.
Garp.
Sengoku.
Tsuru.
The strongest trio of their generation.
Garp's fiery spirit. Sengoku's steadiness. Tsuru's intelligence.
Together, they formed the Navy's strongest Iron Triangle.
"No matter what," Garp said firmly, "I'm going to the New World to arrest those bastards! Are you with me?"
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged a glance—and smiled.
"Of course."
In less than half a month, the name of the Rocks Pirates had spread throughout the New World.
Other pirate crews fled the moment they spotted their flag on the horizon.
It could be said—
The Rocks Pirates debuted at their peak.
At dusk, Chu Qiye sat atop the mast, polishing his beloved silver pistol while watching the sunset.
At some point, Edward climbed up beside him.
The mast had always been Chu Qiye's personal seat.
Anyone else who dared climb it would receive a bullet.
Only Edward was exempt.
Recently, Edward had been in poor spirits.
His golden crescent mustache was already beginning to show streaks of white.
It wouldn't be long before the name "Whitebeard" emerged.
Though Edward hadn't said anything, Chu Qiye could guess the reason.
Gazing at the sinking sun, Edward sighed.
"The view up here really is something. No wonder you sit here every day."
Chu Qiye chuckled.
"If you like it, you can come up anytime."
"Gurararara… I'll pass."
"Suit yourself."
After a moment, Chu Qiye glanced at him.
"What's weighing on you? Don't bottle it up."
Edward was silent for a while before finally speaking.
"Qiye… I thought that after joining the Rocks Pirates, I'd finally find a family."
"But look at them…"
Family?
There wasn't even camaraderie.
They would fight to the death over pocket change.
Over nothing.
Chu Qiye felt the same.
On this ship—
Neither of them felt even the slightest sense of belonging.
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